EDITOR'S NOTE:  The Hamner-Barber Theater in Branson, Missouri -- about forty miles east of Joplin -- sent the following news release to clients and friends, asking for help for the people in Joplin.  This is the kind of compassion which is so often shown by magicians throughout the world.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the devastated community of Joplin, Missourias they dig out from the tragic disaster that wiped out 25% of their city in a matters of minutes.  As the search and rescue for survivors and victims continues, financial assistance is urgently needed immediately!

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The Hamner Barber Theater, along with many other Missouri area businesses and organizations,  urge you to please donate anything you can, as soon as possible, to help our neighbors in Jasper County, Missouri, just 110 drive miles North West of Branson.  The fine folks of Joplin have been huge supporters of the Branson community and vacation here often with their families throughout the year.  Now that they are in desperate need of help, we are joining in to lend our support to give back to them in this extreme time of crisis.

How you can help with Tornado recovery in Joplin

You can help immediately to support the purchase of medical supplies, food and other basic necessities by making a cash donation to these organizations that are already on the ground serving in the Joplin area:

Donate Blood and Save A Life!

There continues to be demand for all blood types and donations are needed.  If you are able, you might consider participating in a blood drive in your own area of the country to help others in your own backyard who are in need.  Volunteer Blood Donors in the Springfield-Branson area have been advised to watchwww.RedCross-Ozarks.org for updates about when blood drives in the Ozarks will be scheduled.

Text A Joplin Donation Right Now!

• Text “REDCROSS” to 90999 to donate $10 to the American Red Cross, or donate, give blood or volunteer by signing up online.

• Text “JOPLIN” to 864833 to donate $10 to the Heart of Missouri United Way, which has dispatched medical help to the affected areas of Kansas and Missouri. Volunteers are also welcome by signing up either online or at 1-913-764-5200.

• Text “CONVOY” to 50555 to donate $10 to the Convoy of Hope, which is delivering disaster supplies to victims. Donations may also be made online or by calling 1-417-823-8998.

Donation Points in the Branson Area

  • Country Mart on Hwy 248 (Budget Rental Truck in Parking Lot)
    The Caring Cupcakes are accepting donations through Tuesday 9 p.m.
    Needs: Bottled water, bedding, blankets, pillows, personal products (shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, diapers, wipes, etc), pre-packaged food
  • Tri-Lakes Motors (Parts Department)
    Accepting donations Tuesday and Wednesday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
    Needs: Food and clothing that will be donated to Convoy of Hope
  • Tri-Lakes Board of Realtors
    Call 417-338-4437 to coordinate donation
    Needs: Blankets, nonperishable food items, personal care items
  • Options Pregnancy Clinic (192 Expressway Lane (across from The Mansion Theatre)
    Accepting donations Monday-Tuesday 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
    Needs: Diapers (all sizes), wipes, formula, bottles, car seats, bassinets, clothing or other new/gently used infant supplies
  • First Baptist Church Branson Community Life Center (400 S. Sunshine, Branson)
    Accepting donations through Thursday afternoon
    Needs: Ready-to-eat food, first-aid supplies, infant needs
  • America’s Best Campground (Buena Vista Road) / The Mansion Theatre / Oak Ridge Boys Theatre
    Call 417-336-4399 to coordinate donation
    Needs: Clothing, food, cash, baby supplies
  • Branson Travel Office (120 N. Commercial St.)
    Accepting donations during office hours through 9 p.m. Wednesday
    Call w/ questions 417-544-1944
  • Love In the Name of Christ is collecting items that will go to the students and staff of the Joplin School District. They will accept (gently used) clothing, towels/blankets/bedding, toiletries, cleaning supplies and ready-to-eat foods. For more information or to donate contact them at 417-336-7056.

Additional Information

If you have relatives or friends in the Joplin area that you have not been able to contact, please visit theRed Cross’s Safe and Well registry.

Health Professionals and other volunteers can sign up to help with disaster recovery at ShowMeResponse.org

Missouri State Emergency Management Agency

Branson-Area Agencies: If your organization is responding in the Joplin area, please contact the Chamber of Commerce/CVB at 417-334-4084 to let them know of any needs you may have.

Please visit www.explorebranson.com/spring/2011-tornado-donations.php for updated info about other drives planned in the area.